The National Retail Federation recognized more than 300 members of Congress for their support of retail industry priorities including international trade, infrastructure investment, tax reform and labor issues. The “Heroes of Main Street” award is being presented as part of NRF’s annual Retail Advocates Summit fly-in.

Americans are looking forward to splurging on their mothers with jewelry, electronics and special outings for Mother’s Day this year. According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics, U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average of $172.22, down slightly from last year’s record-high $172.63.

According to NRF’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insight and Analytics, more than 125 million Americans plan to celebrate the Irish holiday and are expected to spend an average of $35.37 per person, down slightly from last year’s $36.52.

Planning for the future is top of mind for Americans this year, with more consumers than ever putting their tax refunds into savings. According to NRF’s annual Tax Returns Survey conducted by Prosper Insights, 49.2 percent of those expecting a refund plan to save the money rather than spending it right away, the highest percentage in the survey’s history

An estimated 188.9 million football fans, foodies and social butterflies plan to watch the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers battle it out for the Super Bowl 50 championship title on February 7, up from the estimated 183.7 million who planned to watch last year. And, according to NRF’s Super Bowl Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics, those celebrating will spend slightly more than they did for the 2015 Super Bowl; viewers and partygoers will spend an average of $82.19 on food, décor, team apparel and more, up from $77.88 last year and the highest in the survey’s history. Total spending is expected to top $15.5 billion.

NRF filed an amicus briefing asking a federal appeals court to vacate two provisions of a Federal Communications Commission order that reinterpreted the obligations of businesses under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. NRF said the provisions would encourage litigation threatening the ability of retailers to legitimately communicate with consumers.